THE STORY OF JESUS: Hosea 7-10
“Their sins engulf them.” (Hosea 7:2)
What does it mean to be engulfed by my sin?
Sin is any thought or behaviour that is not God-like… i.e. good!
Like deception, selfishness, cruelty, greed, lust, anger, bitterness.
Have you ever seen someone totally wrapped up in these things?
It seems to me we are getting ourselves deeper and deeper into trouble.
Brene Brown makes a comment about our generation here in the west.
We’re the most indebted, overweight, addicted and medicated generation ever!
There is a mental health crisis, but we’re clueless as to why.
We assume chemicals and medications can fix us; they only mask the problem.
Something is wrong in the world, yet we ignore or deny the spiritual part of it.
“Despite all this (we do) not return to the Lord or search for him.” (Hosea 7:10)
Hosea’s words address the problem among God’s people, i.e. in the church!
Sadly the church is caught up in this too, we are as engulfed by sin as the rest.
I sense the Lord speaking to me today: where is sin engulfing you???
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I sense the tendrils of being lukewarm, worldly in my desires, selfish with my blessings, and distracted by unhealthy, unhelpful desires. May I be engulfed by You, and not by these things!
The people did what was right in their own eyes, each going his own way with no regard for one another. The people planted wickedness. They depended upon their own strength with no regard for the Lord God. Sounds very much like today – people putting their own interests before their neighbour. No love for one another but love for self.
We need to return to the Lord. Seek Him in all things. Live for Jesus. Depend upon Him for it is He who gives life. True LIFE and life everlasting.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Hold o’er my being absolute sway!
Fill with Thy Spirit till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me.